Health News

What does 'a healthy human' look like? Google want to know

Date: Jul-29-2014
Google - working with teams from Stanford and Duke Universities - have embarked on an ambitious data-mining project to define the genetic components of good health.

Running just 5-10 minutes a day could increase life expectancy

Date: Jul-29-2014
A study from Iowa State University claims running for only 5-10 minutes a day could reduce mortality risk, and running for longer may actually do more harm than good.

Could a 'universal' blood test for cancer be on the horizon?

Date: Jul-29-2014
A simple blood test has been developed by researchers in the UK that could identify which patients have cancers such as melanoma, colon cancer and lung cancer.

Strict driving-and-texting bans reduce fatalities

Date: Jul-29-2014
Researchers examining the effectiveness of bans on texting while driving have found an associated reduction in fatalities with primary texting bans.

Dementia 'predicted by slow walking speed and memory problems'

Date: Jul-29-2014
In a study of more than 26,000 adults, researchers reveal how those with slow walking speed and memory complaints were twice as likely to develop dementia over the next 12 years.

Common inflammatory disorder increases heart attack, stroke risk

Date: Jul-29-2014
Most inflammatory rheumatological disorders, such as arthritis, are associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. A new study adds polymyalgia rheumatica to this list.

Trees 'save 850 American lives each year'

Date: Jul-28-2014
The first broad-scale, nationwide study of air pollution removal by trees finds that less than 1% of air pollution is removed, but that the human health impact is 'substantial.'

Forget the handshake: fist bumps are 'more hygienic'

Date: Jul-28-2014
Greeting someone by knocking fists together spreads fewer germs than shaking hands, according to a new study. Should this be the new way we greet each other?

Six new genetic risk factors for Parkinson's identified using gene chip

Date: Jul-28-2014
A gene chip called NeuroX has helped researchers to identify 24 gene variants - six of which are newly discovered - that increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Study identifies global prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotypes

Date: Jul-28-2014
Researchers from the UK have identified the worldwide prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotypes, in the hope it will help develop new treatment strategies for the infection.